Federal, state and local officials celebrate the beginning of a $45 million mitigation project designed to address coastal erosion near the mouth of the Saco River.
By CRAIG PENDLETON | Gazette Staff
Several local, state and federal dignitaries turned out Tuesday for a ceremony to acknowledge the start of a long-awaited shoreline erosion mitigation project at the mouth of the Saco River.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), New England District coordinated Tuesday’s celebration and will be overseeing the “Section 111 Camp Ellis Beach Shore Damage Mitigation Project.”
. . .
The project is intended to address persistent shoreline damage and erosion at Saco’s Camp Ellis Beach, which has historically experienced significant erosion, in-part caused by the existing north jetty that protects the entrance to the Saco River.
The jetty was constructed in 1829 as a navigation tool for vessels transporting textiles and other goods to and from the then emerging mill district that connects the cities of Saco and Biddeford.
The $45 million mitigation project includes the construction of a 750-foot-long stone spur jetty designed to alter wave action and reduce erosion. Following the jetty’s completion, an initial placement of approximately 73,170 cubic yards of sand will nourish Camp Ellis Beach.
“This project will help
— Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail
protect our community
for generations to come.”
According to an Army Corps spokesperson, the plan also includes provisions for future beach renourishment to help maintain shoreline stability.
Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail made the mitigation project one of her top priorities when she announced her mayoral bid three years ago.
“It’s been a long battle, MacPhail said during her remarks on Tuesday. “We celebrate today and recognize the strong collaboration making this project happen. This project will help protect our community for generations to come.”
U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King both attended Tuesday morning’s ceremony in Camp Ellis.
. . .
Collins – a Republican who is facing a November challenge by Democrat Graham Platner – said Tuesday that the federal government is responsible for fixing a problem it created.
Maine’s senior senator also laid out some details about coastal damage that has been blamed on the jetty’s initial design.
“The Maine delegation banded together in support of this solution,” Collins told the crowd pointing to her Congressional colleagues, Sen. Angus King and U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree.
Collins said the 2007 Patriots Day storm and the 2024 Nor’easter both devastated Camp Ellis and other parts of Maine. Over many years, 38 homes have been lost by erosion and storms, she added.
“A calamity caused by the federal government requires a federal solution,” Collins said, pointing out that she and King were able to secure $23 million to help get this sub-jetty built.
For his part, King congratulated local residents and elected officials for their perseverance in getting the project completed.
. . .
“Perseverance is critical to getting anything done,” King said. “And now, it’s happening.”
Although Pingree was unable to attend Tuesday’s event, one of her senior staffers told the crowd that this project was one of the first items placed on her desk 14 years ago when she began work for the congresswoman.
Construction is expected to be completed in August 2027, with the initial beach nourishment scheduled for 2028.
The city of Saco will assume responsibility for the project’s ongoing operation and maintenance upon completion.
More information about the project can be found at https://www.nae.usace.army.mil/missions/projects-topics/section-111-camp-ellis-beach-shore-damage-mitigation-project/
. . .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Craig Pendleton is former commercial fisherman who grew up in Saco’s Camp Ellis neighborhood. Members of his family have been impacted by ongoing erosion issues in the coastal neighborhood.
Pendleton also serves as the Biddeford Gazette’s Chief Financial Officer and chairs the organization’s Community Advisory Council.
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